The Italy striker has faced heavy criticism for both his attitude and goalscoring record since arriving from AC Milan in August.

But he responded with a cameo performance that brought the Anfield crowd to its feet. His sharp movement led to the equalising goal and, after Fernandez was shown a straight red card for a lunge on Philippe Coutinho, he also unsettled the Swansea defence in the build-up to the winner.

Lovren, whose performances have also been questioned since his £20m move from Southampton, sparked wild celebrations in front of the Kop when he met Coutinho's free-kick to keep alive Rodgers' hopes of winning his first major silverware.

Liverpool assistant manager Colin Pascoe:

"With the way we were playing I thought we were always going to create a chance.

"I thought we were unfortunate to be 1-0 down as the way we played was possibly the best we've played all season, with the character of the lads to keep going and get the win.

"It's a win - even if it was so late. It's a great feeling."

Swansea City manager Garry Monk:

"I'm disappointed. It wasn't a red card, but these things are happening, and hopefully they will stop happening.

"With a couple of minutes to go, we should have seen it out. We should have defended better and come away with the win.

"But we put on a performance, especially the second half, that we can be proud of."

Mario Balotelli scored his second Liverpool goal since arriving from AC Milan, the other coming against Ludogorets in the Champions League

Swansea striker Marvin Emnes netted his second goal of the season - his other strike was against Everton